Ingredients:

For the Base:

• 300g (10.5 oz) cookies (digestive, graham crackers, or similar)
• 120g (4.2 oz) melted butter
• 100g (3.5 oz) Nutella
• 30g (1.05 oz) condensed milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 60g (2.1 oz) ricotta cheese or cream cheese
• 2 bananas, sliced

For the Cream Layer:

• 60g (2.1 oz) ricotta cheese or cream cheese
• 50g (1.75 oz) powdered sugar
• 40g (1.4 oz) coconut flakes
• 120ml (1/2 cup) whipped cream

For the Topping:

• 100g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate
• 100g (3.5 oz) white chocolate

Directions:

1. Prepare the Cookie Base:
   • Crush the cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
   • In a large bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, melted butter, Nutella, and condensed milk (if using). Mix until well-coated.
   • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 8×8-inch square pan to form an even base. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Cream Layer:
   • In a medium bowl, beat the ricotta cheese or cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
   • Fold in the coconut flakes and whipped cream until combined.
   • Spread half of the cream mixture over the chilled cookie base and smooth it out with a spatula.
3. Add the Banana Layer:
   • Arrange the banana slices evenly over the cream layer, covering it fully.
4. Assemble the Layers:
   • Spread the remaining cream mixture over the banana layer and smooth out the surface.
   • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set.
5. Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
   • Melt the dark chocolate and white chocolate in separate bowls using a microwave or double boiler. Stir until smooth.
   • Drizzle the melted chocolates over the top in a decorative pattern or spread them for a marbled effect.
6. Chill and Serve:
   • Refrigerate for another hour or until firm.
   • Cut into bars and serve chilled.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 120 mg

Enjoy these no-bake bars as a quick, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

The Cookie Base: A Crunchy Foundation

The foundation of this dessert is a simple yet essential cookie base made with crushed cookies and melted butter. Digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or any similar cookies work wonderfully to create a crunchy, sweet crust that perfectly complements the rich and creamy filling above it. The beauty of the cookie base lies in its simplicity. It adds just the right amount of crunch to contrast with the smooth layers of Nutella, banana, and cream.

When choosing cookies for the base, the texture is just as important as the flavor. Digestive biscuits, for example, are lightly sweetened and have a slightly crumbly texture, while graham crackers bring a hint of honey flavor. Both are excellent choices. When the cookies are crushed into fine crumbs, they form a dense, stable base that will hold up the layers above without being too hard to cut through when serving.

In addition to the cookies, the melted butter is crucial for binding the crumbs together and ensuring the base stays intact. The Nutella and optional condensed milk add richness, while also giving the base a slight creamy texture that perfectly balances the crunchy cookie. Once pressed into the pan, this base is chilled in the refrigerator to set, providing the perfect firm structure for the layers that follow.

The Nutella Layer: Sweet, Creamy, and Irresistible

Nutella is arguably one of the most beloved spreads in the world, and it plays a starring role in this dessert. By incorporating Nutella into the cookie base mixture, you infuse the dessert with its signature smooth, chocolate-hazelnut flavor. This not only contributes to the base’s flavor but also adds an extra layer of richness that makes the dessert feel indulgent without being overwhelming.

Nutella pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of ricotta or cream cheese, which are used in the cream layer. The slightly tangy cream cheese balances the sweetness of the Nutella and helps create a more harmonious flavor profile. Whether you use ricotta for a lighter, more delicate cream or opt for cream cheese for a richer texture, both work excellently to tie the layers together. If you’re looking for an extra touch of creaminess, the optional addition of condensed milk in the base mixture creates a more indulgent, velvety mouthfeel that enhances the overall experience.

The Banana Layer: Fresh and Fruity Contrast

Bananas not only add a natural sweetness but also provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the Nutella and cream layers. Sliced bananas are arranged on top of the cream layer to create a refreshing burst of flavor in each bite. The combination of creamy, rich layers with the fresh, soft texture of the banana offers a perfect balance of taste and texture.

Bananas are an excellent fruit choice in desserts because of their natural sweetness and ability to complement other ingredients without overwhelming the dish. In addition to their flavor, bananas also add a slight chewiness to the dessert, providing a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy layers and crunchy base.

For those who love bananas, the fruit not only enhances the taste but also provides a number of nutritional benefits. Bananas are a great source of potassium, which is essential for heart health, and they offer dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness.

The Cream Layer: Light and Fluffy

The cream layer is the star of this dessert, and it brings everything together with its velvety smooth texture. By combining ricotta or cream cheese with powdered sugar, coconut flakes, and whipped cream, this layer strikes the perfect balance between lightness and richness. The whipped cream ensures that the layer is airy and fluffy, while the powdered sugar gives just the right amount of sweetness.

Coconut flakes, though optional, add an additional layer of flavor and texture to the cream layer. The slight chewiness of the coconut contrasts with the cream’s smoothness, and its tropical flavor ties in beautifully with the banana slices below. The result is a soft, creamy layer that’s both indulgent and refreshing at the same time.

The Chocolate Topping: A Perfect Finishing Touch

To elevate this dessert even further, dark and white chocolate are drizzled on top of the assembled layers. The richness of dark chocolate adds a slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the dessert, while the creamy white chocolate adds a smooth, sweet finish. The interplay between the two chocolates creates a visually stunning and flavorful topping that is both decadent and sophisticated.

In addition to its visual appeal, the chocolate topping enhances the overall flavor experience. The bitterness of the dark chocolate balances the richness of the cream and Nutella layers, while the sweetness of the white chocolate complements the bananas and coconut. The combination of these two types of chocolate adds a luxurious touch that elevates the dessert from a simple treat to something truly special.

Conclusion: A Decadent Yet Refreshing Dessert

This No-Bake Nutella Banana Cream Dessert is the epitome of balance: rich, creamy, crunchy, and refreshing all at once. It’s a dessert that’s easy to prepare, requires minimal effort, and can be customized to suit various tastes. The combination of Nutella, bananas, and a creamy topping, all built upon a sturdy cookie base, creates a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent.

By layering textures and flavors in a thoughtful way, this dessert manages to be rich without feeling too heavy, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether served at a casual family dinner or as the grand finale of a special celebration, this dessert is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave a lasting impression. With its easy preparation and impressive results, this No-Bake Nutella Banana Cream Dessert is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.